Gaming machine with game freeze feature

ABSTRACT

The game freeze feature allows a player to pause or suspend play at a gaming machine and later resume play. The player may suspend play during a game or between games as desired. In one embodiment, the player must provide authenticating information to suspend a game. The authenticating information may subsequently be used to resume the suspended game. If a game is not resumed within an allotted time limit, the player&#39;s credits, wager, or both may be forfeited and the game reset to allow a new game to be played. The player may reclaim forfeited wagers and credits by providing the authenticating information used to suspend a game. The game freeze feature provides the benefit of allowing players to reserve gaming machines or to take a break from play.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to gaming machines and wagering games, andspecifically to a game freeze feature for one or more games presented ongaming machines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditional gaming machines present one or more games to a player.Typically, a game is presented in response to the player placing a wagerat the gaming machine. The player may play one or more games as desiredby placing one or more wagers. It is common for players to play a singlegaming machine for a period of time.

One problem with traditional gaming machines is that they are notconfigured to allow players to take a break. Prior to leaving a gamingmachine, the player must finish his or her current game and cash out anycredits remaining in the gaming machine. For example, a player whowishes to get a beverage, use the phone, or go to the restroom mustfirst finish his or her current game and cash out before leaving thegaming machine. If the player does not, the player's game and creditsremain in the machine, which is accessible to any passersby who may takethe player's credits or play the player's game without permission.

Another problem with leaving a traditional gaming machine is thatanother player may start playing the gaming machine once a playerleaves. This can occur even if the first player is gone only for a shortperiod of time. This can be troublesome to the first player who may wishto continue playing the same gaming machine. For example, the firstplayer may believe the gaming machine is about to payout an award or“hit” and desire to continue playing the same gaming machine. If theplayer must leave the machine for even a short period of time, he or sherisks losing the machine to another player.

Thus, what is provided herein is a novel gaming machine and methodtherefor for providing a game freeze feature.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A game freeze feature is disclosed herein. As discussed below, the gamefreeze feature generally allows a player to suspend and later resumeplay of a game at a gaming machine. This is advantageous in that itallows player to take a break from playing a game as well as reservetheir favorite or “lucky” gaming machines for a period of time. In oneor more embodiments, the game freeze feature protects suspended gamesfrom tampering by requiring authenticating information. It iscontemplated that a suspension of a game may be limited to a time periodand that the player may forfeit credits, games, or both if a game is notresumed in time.

In one or more embodiments, the game freeze feature may be provided by agaming machine comprising a display, a freeze button, a resume button,and a processor configured to present a game to a player on the display.The processor may also be configured to suspend play of the game on thegaming machine for a predetermined period of time in response toactivation of the freeze button by the player whereby play of the gameresumes in response to activation of the resume button by the playerwithin the predetermined period of time. Play may be suspended in avariety of ways. In one embodiment, the processor suspends play of thegame by ignoring further input to the gaming machine other than inputreceived from the resume button. When play of the game is suspended, thedisplay may provide a notification of the same to the player. Thenotification may provide the remaining time for suspension of play ofthe game which will typically be at least a portion of the predeterminedperiod of time.

In one embodiment, the gaming machine may include one or more playerinput devices or a card reader configured to receive authenticatinginformation from the player whereby play of the game on the gamingmachine resumes only if the authenticating information verifies theidentity of the player.

In another embodiment, the gaming machine may include a memory deviceconfigured to store game information, such as but not limited to, thenumber of credits in the gaming machine and the amount of wagers in thegaming machine, whereby if the game is not resumed within thepredetermined period of time the game information is stored on thememory device and the gaming machine is reset to allow play of a newgame. Once the gaming information is stored, the game may be forfeitedif the game is not resumed within the predetermined period of time.

A method for providing a game freeze feature on a gaming machine is alsoprovided. In one embodiment, the method comprises accepting one or morecredits from the player, presenting a game to a player on the gamingmachine whereby the player is paid an award for achieving a winningoutcome, suspending play of the game at the gaming machine for apredetermined period of time if the player activates the freeze button,displaying a notification on the display indicating that play of thegame is suspended, and resuming play of the game at the gaming machineif the player activates the resume button within the predeterminedperiod of time.

In one embodiment, the method may include accepting a firstauthenticating information from the player prior to suspending play ofthe game. In this embodiment, a second authenticating information may beaccepted prior to resuming play of the game whereby play of the gameresumes only if the first authenticating information and the secondauthenticating information match. It is noted that the firstauthenticating information and the second authenticating information maybe accepted via a card reader or one or more player input devices of thegaming machine. A second authenticating information may also be acceptedfrom the player to allow the player reclaim his or her forfeitedcredits, if the second authenticating information matches the firstauthenticating information.

In another embodiment, a game freeze device for a gaming machine may beprovided. The game freeze device may comprise a freeze button, a resumebutton, and a controller connected to a processor and a display of agaming machine. The controller may be configured to provide the gamefreeze feature to the gaming machine whereby the controller suspendsplay of a game for a predetermined period of time on the gaming machinewhen the freeze button is activated and resumes play of the game whenthe resume button is activated. As with the above, the controller mayprovide a notification on the display indicating play of the game issuspended when play of the game is suspended. In one embodiment, tosuspend play, the controller may intercept communication from one ormore player input devices of the gaming machine.

Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention overthe prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of thedrawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the different views.

FIG. 1 illustrates a gaming machine and system in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the components of a gamingmachine according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a screen display according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the game freezefeature during a game according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the game freezefeature between games according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 6A-6E illustrate screen displays of the game freeze feature inoperation according to various embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating components of a game freezedevice according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a more thorough description of the present invention.It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known features have not been described in detailso as not to obscure the invention.

In general, the gaming machine with game freeze feature allows a gamebeing played on a gaming machine to be paused or suspended for a periodof time and then resumed later at the same gaming machine. This isadvantageous in that it allows a player to leave the machine such as totake a break, use the restroom, get refreshments, socialize, or forvarious other reasons and then resume his or her game. In addition, thisallows a player to reserve a gaming machine for a period of time so thatthe player may later return to the same gaming machine. This isadvantageous in that players often desire to play the same gamingmachine on the belief that the machine is about to hit or is a luckymachine. The game freeze feature allows a player the freedom to leavefor a period of time without the risk of another player taking themachine. The game freeze feature may require authentication informationto resume a game in order to prevent unauthorized access to a suspendedgaming machine. As will be described further below, authenticationinformation may be a code, PIN, password, phrase, or other information.

The game freeze feature is distinguishable from traditional save/restoreschemes where games may be saved to a memory device and later resumed byretrieving and reloading or restoring the saved game. In one or moreembodiments, the game freeze feature does not save a game but ratherfreezes or suspends the game such as by preventing further user input orby holding a game and/or gaming machine in its current state, as will bedescribed further below.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a gaming machine 100 at which thegame freeze features of the invention may be implemented. In oneembodiment, the gaming machine 100 is a wager-based gaming machineconfigured to present one or more games to a player, which games offerthe possibility of an award of winnings. Of course, the gaming machine100 could be configured to present games or amusing activities basedupon payment and either no award winnings or offer the opportunity forpoints, tickets, prizes or the like.

In one embodiment, the gaming machine 100 defines a generally enclosedinterior space for housing one or more components. As illustrated, thegaming machine 100 generally comprises a housing or cabinet 102 forsupporting and/or enclosing various components required for operation ofthe gaming machine. In the embodiment illustrated, the housing 102 mayinclude a door 106 located at a front thereof, the door capable of beingmoved between an open position which allows access to the interior and aclosed position in which access to the interior is generally prevented.The configuration of the gaming machine 100 may vary. In the embodimentillustrated, the gaming machine 100 has an “upright” configuration.However, the gaming machine 100 could have other configurations, shapesor dimensions (such as being of a “slant”-type or other configuration asis well known to those of skill in the art). It is noted that theconfiguration of the door 106 may vary, such as dependent upon theconfiguration of the gaming machine 100.

The gaming machine 100 preferably includes at least one display device104 configured to display game information. The display device 104 maybe a mechanical, electromechanical or electronic display, such as one ormore rotating reels, a video display or the like. When the displaydevice 104 is an electronic video display, it may comprise a cathode raytube (CRT), high resolution flat panel liquid crystal display (LCD),projection LCD, plasma display, field emission display, digitalmicro-mirror display (DMD), digital light processing display (DLP), LCDtouchscreen, a light emitting display (LED) or other suitable displaysnow known or later developed, in a variety of resolutions, sizes andformats (e.g. 4:3, widescreen or the like). The display 104 may becapable of projecting or displaying a wide variety of information,including images, symbols and other indicia or information associatedwith game play, game promotion or other events.

The gaming machine 100 may be configured to present a wide variety ofgames. These may include games in Class III, such as video poker games,slot-type games, and blackjack or other card, dice or various othergames now known or later developed, as well as games in Class II,including central determinant games such a video lottery, bingo andbingo-based games, and other games now known or later developed. Thegames may also be skill based or include one or more skill components.In one embodiment, certain game outcomes may be designated as winningoutcomes. Awards may be provided for winning outcomes, such as monetarypayments (or representations thereof, such as award of credits), prizesor the like. As is well known in the art, the number of winning outcomesmay vary dependent upon the desired payout or winning percentage offeredto the players as compared to wagers that are retained by the gamingestablishment.

The gaming machine 100 may include one or more player input devices 108(such as input buttons, a touch-screen display, joystick, touch-pad orthe like) that may be utilized by the player to facilitate game play.The gaming machine 100 may include a coin accepting mechanism 112 foraccepting coins and/or a currency or bill acceptor 114 for acceptingcash or paper currency. It is also contemplated that other mechanismsmay be provided for accepting value for game play, such as credit card,ticket readers or input devices whereby a player may have funds paidfrom a remote account. The gaming machine 100 may also include a “betcredit” button 118 or the like, such as to permit a player to wagermonetary credits credited to the machine.

In one preferred embodiment, the gaming machine 100 includes one or moremicroprocessors or controllers for controlling the gaming machine,including receiving player input and sending output signals forcontrolling the various components of the machine 100 (such asgenerating game information for display by the display 104). Thecontroller may be arranged to send signals for determining winningcombinations and to cause the display 104 to display winning amountinformation. In addition, the controller is preferably arranged todetermine if a round of game play has resulted in a win, and if so, theamount to be paid to the player for that win.

The gaming machine 100 may include a means for paying a player anywinnings accumulated during game play. For example, a “cash out” button116 may be provided for permitting a player to be paid the winnings orredeeming any credits initially paid into the gaming machine 100. Theterm “cash out” is used herein to define an event initiated by theplayer wherein the player receives a number of coins or currency that isequivalent to the value of the player's accrued credit base. Typicallywhen a player cashes out, the player receives either a paper currencyvoucher or currency in the form of a coin disbursement. If the playerdecides to receive a coin disbursement, the gaming machine 100 mayactivate a coin hopper or coin handling device (not shown) whichphysically counts and delivers the proper number of coins to the player.The coin handling device is commonly configured to transport coins froma supply source (hopper or bin filled with coins) to a coin tray orpayout receptacle where the player physically receives the coins. Theplayer might also elect to cash out by having a ticket or other mediadispensed, such as via a printer.

The gaming machine 100 may be configured as a stand-alone device or bein communication with one or more external devices at one or more times.For example, the gaming machine 100 may be configured as a server baseddevice and obtain game code or game outcome information from a remoteserver. The gaming machine 100 may also communicate with one or moregaming servers 120. These one or more gaming servers 120 may beconfigured to perform accounting, player tracking, bonusing, gamegeneration, or other functions.

In one embodiment, the gaming machine 100 may include various hardwareand/or software for implanting a gaming machine or game “freeze” featurein accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the components of an exemplary gaming machine. Asshown, the gaming machine comprises a processor 204, display 104, amemory device 216, one or more player input devices 108, and a randomnumber generator 220. A gaming machine may also comprise one or moreperipherals 208 to facilitate play of a game such as card readers, coinacceptors, bill acceptors, coin hoppers, ticket/receipt printers ordispensers, and the like, as detailed above.

The gaming machine may also include a transceiver 212 to allow thegaming machine to communicate with external devices such as other gamingmachines, game controllers, progressive controllers, gaming servers, andthe like. The transceiver 212 may allow wired or wireless communicationsvia one or more network or other connections. It will be understood thatthe game freeze feature may be implemented in various embodiments ofgaming machines that may include additional or other electroniccomponents, or that may not require one or more of the componentsillustrated in FIG. 2.

As indicated, the gaming machine may include a random number generator220 for use in generating random game results or outcomes. It is notedthat the random number generator 220 may be a separate component or partof another component, such as the processor 204, in one or moreembodiments. The random number generator 220 may be configured toprovide one or more random numbers to facilitate the play of one or moregames. As is known, random numbers are commonly used in wagering gamesto provide an outcome of a game.

The random number generator 220 may accept one or more seed values inone or more embodiments from which one or more random numbers may begenerated. The seed value may represent various tangible objects orcharacteristics. For example, a measurement of vibration, temperature,voltage, or time may be used as a seed value. It is noted that therandom number generator 220 may include or be connected to one or moresensors or the like to measure these or other values for use as seedvalues. It is also noted that in server based gaming environments, therandom number generator 220 may be remote from one or more gamingmachines and that the random numbers generated by the random numbergenerator may be communicated to the gaming machines and/or gameoutcomes may be provided to the gaming machine.

In general, the processor 204 may be a microprocessor, circuit, or thelike configured to process input and generate output to present one ormore games, provide the game freeze feature, or both. In one or moreembodiments, the processor 204 may execute machine readable code topresent one or more games, provide the game freeze feature, or both. Inone or more embodiments, the machine readable code comprisesinstructions that the processor 204 may execute to provide the gamefreeze feature as described herein. The output from the processor 204may be used to control or communicate with other components connected tothe processor such as a display 104, transceiver 212, or gaming machineperipherals 208. A processor 204 may accept input from one or moreplayer input devices 108 or other components connected to the processor.

In one or more embodiments, the processor 204 may be connected to amemory device 216 configured to store data. The memory device 216 may bevarious types of electronic memory, now known or later developed,including but not limited to magnetic, flash, or optical memory.

The memory device 216 may be configured to store machine readable codefor one or more games. In this manner, the processor 204 may retrieveand execute machine readable code to present one or more games or othergaming machine features to players. It is noted that a processor 204 mayinclude its own memory in some embodiments. In addition, the machinereadable code may be hardwired into the circuitry of a processor 204. Inthese embodiments, a separate memory device 216 may not be required.

It is contemplated that a memory device 216 may also be configured tostore information for one or more games. For example, informationrelated to the play or execution of a game such as but not limited tocredits, amounts wagered, amounts won, one or more paytables, winningoutcomes, paylines, jackpot amounts, bonuses, and randomly generatednumbers may be stored in the memory device 216. Game freeze informationwhich generally refers to information related to providing the gamefreeze feature may also be stored. For example, a memory device 216 maybe used to store information indicating whether or not a game issuspended as well as one or more passwords, codes, or other informationthat must be inputted to resume a suspended game. It will be understoodthat other information related to presenting a game or providing thegame freeze feature may be stored as well.

As will be described further below, a player may engage a player inputdevice 108 to suspend a game as well as to resume a suspended game.Engaging the appropriate player input device 108 may send a signal orinformation to the processor 204 indicating the player desires tosuspend or resume a game. The processor 204 may then execute one or morefunctions to suspend or resume a game as appropriate.

In one or more embodiments, the player input devices 108 may comprise afreeze button, a resume button, or both. Of course, player input devices108 (including touch screen input to a video display, such as display104) other than buttons may be used to suspend or resume a game. This isillustrated in FIG. 3, which shows an exemplary display 104 presenting aslot game along with a freeze button 308 and a resume button 312thereon. In the embodiment shown, the player input devices 108,including the freeze button 308 and the resume button 312 are touchscreen buttons. It will be understood that the freeze button 308 and theresume button 312 may be push button type devices as well, such as shownin FIG. 1. It is contemplated that a single button may be both a freezebutton and a resume button in some embodiments. For example, a buttonmay be activated to suspend a game and the same button may be activatedagain to resume the game from its suspended state. Though labeledrespectively as “freeze” and “resume”, it is noted that the freezebutton 308 and the resume button 312, or a single button that functionsas both, may be labeled differently with various characters or symbolsas desired. In general, the labels will typically convey the function ofthe button should it be activated or engaged.

As can be seen from FIG. 3, the game freeze feature allows a player tosuspend play between games. For example, in the slot embodiment of FIG.3, the player may suspend play after the outcome of a game has beenachieved, such as after a spin of slot game reels (video animated orphysical reels). As shown, the player has 10 credits in the gamingmachine. The player may suspend play with the game freeze featureleaving the 10 credits in the gaming machine. The player may then take abreak and then resume the game later with his or her 10 credits at thesame gaming machine. In this manner, the player does not have to cashout even if he or she physically leaves the gaming machine.

The game freeze feature also allows a player to suspend play during agame. For example, the player may suspend a game after it has beenstarted, such as when a wager has been placed, and before an outcome isobtained. This is advantageous in card type games such as blackjack orpoker because rounds or hands of these games may provide a convenientpoint for a player to suspend a game. In addition, additional cards orindicia may be displayed during a single round or hand. The game freezefeature allows the game (whether card based or not) to be suspendedprior to or after these events or at other times during a game.

It is contemplated that the game freeze feature may also be used tosuspend play of various types of games, including mechanical reel typegames, video games such as video slots and video poker, and variousother games such as keno, bingo and others. For example, in oneembodiment, the game freeze feature may suspend a game as one or morereels are spinning. In another embodiment, the game freeze feature maysuspend a slot type game before, during, or after a bonus round. Ofcourse, as stated, the game freeze feature may be used to suspend a slotgame at other times during a game as well. The player may resume thegame later as desired. It is contemplated that the game freeze featuremay be used multiple times during and in between one or more games.Preferably, when play is suspended, other players or people will not beallowed to access or play the suspended gaming machine.

Play may be suspended in various ways. In one embodiment, play may besuspended by locking a gaming machine such that no input other than thatrelated to resuming play is permitted. For example, input other thanthat from a resume button or authenticating information for resumingplay may be ignored. This prevents any currently played game fromprogressing and prevents new games from being started. Play may also besuspended by holding a game at its present state and ignoring input notrelated to resuming play. For example, the position of reels, display ofindicia, number of credits/wagers, and other information related to agame may be preserved as is in a memory device

A gaming machine may also display a notification that play has beensuspended or that the gaming machine has been frozen in one or moreembodiments. The notification may cover some or all of a gamingmachine's display to ensure that players are aware play has beensuspended. Other types of indicators could be provided, such asde-illuminating all of the buttons of the gaming machine, displaying ablank screen on the gaming machine display, etc.

In one embodiment, as will be discussed further below, properauthenticating information may be required to freeze and/or resume gameplay. As used herein, authenticating information refers to a code,password, phrase, player identifier, or other information that a playerenters to freeze play, resume play, or both. Typically, authenticatinginformation will be used to verify the player's identity such that onlythe player who suspended play at a gaming machine can resume play at thegaming machine.

Authenticating information may be provided to the player such as on agaming machine display, printed ticket or receipt, player tracking card,or the like. It is contemplated that authenticating information may alsobe provided via email, text messaging, or other electroniccommunications mechanisms. In one embodiment, authenticating informationmay be given to a player verbally or on various mediums by gamingestablishment personnel such as but not limited to bartenders, waitstaff, and cashiers.

Authenticating information may also be provided by the player. Forexample, a player may select his or her authenticating information mayinputting a password or code to a gaming machine or other device. Ingeneral, authenticating information will be used to verify that theplayer resuming play at a gaming machine is the same player thatsuspended play at the gaming machine.

It is noted that, in one or more embodiments, a game may only besuspended for a limited time. This may be beneficial to a gamingestablishment that does not want a plurality of machines to beunavailable to other players because they are suspended. Various timelimits may be set as desired ranging from seconds, minutes, hours, andlonger. In a preferred embodiment, the time limit may be one or moreminutes such as 3, 5, 10, 15, or 20 minutes. If play is not resumedwithin the time limit the player may forfeit the game, any credits inthe gaming machine, or both. In one or more embodiments, the player maybe provided a printed ticket or receipt when play is suspended. Theticket may be provided to a gaming machine or establishment to reclaimsome or all the credits in a gaming machine that was not resumed withinthe time limit. In other embodiments, authenticating information, suchas a password or code, or a player tracking card may inputted orinserted in a gaming machine when suspending a game and be later used toreclaim credits.

Players may have to meet certain criteria to be allowed to suspend playin one or more embodiments. For example, a player may be required toinsert a player tracking card or input authenticating information beforethe game freeze feature will be provided to the player. This isbeneficial in that credits may be returned to a player identified by aplayer tracking card or authenticating information if a game is notresumed within the allotted time limit or if the game is not resumed atall. In one or more embodiments, players may have to acknowledge oragree to various instructions, terms, or conditions before the gamefreeze feature will by provided. For example, a player may have toacknowledge that a game may only be suspended for a limited time andthat placed wagers, credits, or both may be forfeited if the game is notresumed within the time limit or at all. In other embodiments, playersmay have to ask permission from gaming establishment personnel tosuspend a game. For example, the game freeze feature may not beavailable unless authorized by such personnel. In one embodiment, aplayer must request and receive authenticating information, such as apassword, from gaming establishment personnel and correctly input theauthenticating information into a gaming machine before play may besuspended.

Operation of the gaming machine or game freeze feature in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention will now be described. FIG. 4 is aflow diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the game freezefeature in operation during the play of a game. At a step 404, a wageris accepted from a player at a gaming machine. As is known, this mayoccur in various ways including but not limited to accepting currency,tokens, credits, or the like in physical or electronic form through acard reader, bill acceptor, coin slot, or the like. It is noted that thewager may come from one or more credits a player already has in a gamingmachine as well.

Once a wager has been accepted, the gaming machine may start a wageringgame where the player may win a payout or other award. In oneembodiment, the wagering game may start by dealing or revealing one ormore cards, symbols, or other indicia. As shown in the exemplary displayof FIG. 6A, five cards 604 are revealed in a poker type wagering game tostart the game. In another embodiment, the wagering game may start byactivating one or more player input devices which allow the player toprovide input (i.e. play a game) such as to reveal one or more indiciasuch as by spinning one or more reels.

It is contemplated that the game freeze feature may be enabled andactivated by a player after a game has started. As shown in FIG. 6A, thefreeze button 308 is enabled while the resume button 312 is disabledafter the start of the game. As illustrated in FIG. 4, it is determinedwhether or not a player desires to suspend a game at a step 412. If theplayer does not suspend the game at step 412, the game continues at step424 until the game ends at step 428. In one or more embodiments the gamemay end with the player winning an award, achieving a draw, or losinghis or her wager.

If the player does suspend the game at step 412, such as by activating afreeze button, play will be suspended at step 416. It is noted that theplayer may suspend play of a game in various ways. In one embodiment,the player may press or otherwise activate a player input device 108such as those illustrated in FIG. 1. In another embodiment, the playermay activate a touch screen freeze button 308, such as illustrated inFIG. 6A or 6B, by touching or engaging the freeze button.

It will be understood that the game freeze feature may be used atvarious times during a game. For example, the game freeze feature may beused after the start of a game such as in FIG. 6A where an initial handof cards has been dealt. In addition, the game freeze feature may beactivated at different stages of or at different times during a game.For example, FIG. 6B shows that a freeze button 308 may be activatedafter the player chooses which of five cards to hold in a poker game.

Suspension of play of a game may occur in various ways. In oneembodiment, a gaming machine may suspend a game by preventing furtherinput except for input directed to resuming a suspended game. The gamingmachine may also provide notification that a game has been suspended. Asshown in FIG. 6C, the gaming machine may display a screen indicatingthat a game has been suspended. The display of game symbols, indicia, orthe like may be cleared from the screen. The exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 6C also provides a notification of the time remaining for the gameto remain suspended as well as an enabled resume button 312 to allow aplayer to resume a game. It is contemplated that promotional displayssuch as advertising may also be displayed. The freeze button 308 may bedeactivated such as shown in FIG. 6C when a game is suspended. Thisprevents confusion as a suspended game may generally not be suspendedagain.

In one or more embodiments, authenticating information, such as apassword, may be collected from the player at step 416. The player maythen be required to input authenticating information in order to resumethe suspended game. In this manner, only an authorized player or theplayer that suspended the game may resume play. A prompt or other screendisplay, such as illustrated in FIG. 6D, may be presented on a gamingmachine to collect such password, code, or other authenticatinginformation from a player. Typically the screen display will bepresented after the player indicates, such as by activating a freezebutton 308, that he or she wishes to suspend a game. The player mayenter authenticating information utilizing a number or key pad presentedon the gaming machine such as in FIG. 6D. It is contemplated that theauthenticating information may also be entered through one or moreplayer input devices. In addition, a button panel or keyboard such asthat of a player tracking device may also be used to inputauthenticating information. In other embodiments, a player may beprovided a ticket or receipt having previously generated authenticatinginformation thereon when the player suspends play of a game. The ticketor receipt may be printed or dispensed from the gaming machine in one ormore embodiments.

In some embodiments, where a player has inserted a player tracking card,authenticating information may be read from the player tracking card ora player tracking account linked to the card. In these embodiments, theplayer may be required to remove his or her player tracking card tosuspend play. This prevents a player from leaving his or her playertracking card behind and potentially losing the card. The playertracking card may then be subsequently reinserted to resume the game andverify that the player who suspended the game is resuming the game. Inother embodiments, a player may briefly insert and remove a playertracking card to input authenticating information. In this manner, theplayer tracking card may be used to resume the game even though theplayer tracking card was not previously inserted.

At a step 420, it is determined whether or not the game has beensuspended for longer than a certain time limit. If the game has not beensuspended for longer than the time limit, the player may choose toresume the game at a step 424. If the player does not resume the game,game freeze feature may return to step 420 to again determine whetherthe time limit for game suspension has been reached.

If, at step 420, the time limit for game suspension has been reachedthen the suspended game may be forfeited at a step 440 in one or moreembodiments. A game may be forfeited in various ways. In one embodiment,a game is forfeited by giving or transferring the player's current wagerto the gaming establishment and ending the game. In this embodiment, theplayer loses the current wager to the gaming establishment. In anotherembodiment, a game is forfeited by returning the current wager to theplayer's credits and ending the game. Any credits in the gaming machinemay be cleared and the gaming machine may be reset for a new player, anew game, or both. For example, the credits indicator may be set to zeroand the gaming machine may return to step 404 to accept a wager for anew game.

It is contemplated that, prior to clearing the credits, any creditsremaining in the machine may be associated with the authenticatinginformation that the player provided prior to or after suspending thegame, such as described above with regard to step 416. The credits andassociated authenticating information may be stored on a memory deviceof the gaming machine or on a gaming server so that the player mayreclaim these credits later on.

For example, in one or more embodiments, the player may input his or herauthenticating information to reclaim credits from the gaming machine.The gaming machine may query its memory device or a gaming server todetermine the number of forfeited credits associated with theauthenticating information. The gaming machine may include a playerinput device, such as a button labeled “Reclaim Credits” and a inputscreen or prompt, to facilitate reclaiming credits. Once theauthenticating information is provided, the gaming machine may dispensecurrency, a ticket or tokens representing the credits the player left inthe machine. Of course, the player may also use the reclaimed credits toplay a game on the gaming machine. It is contemplated that credits maybe reclaimed at other gaming machines as well in some embodiments. Also,credits may be reclaimed through the gaming establishment such as bypresenting authenticating information to a cashier or other personnel.It is noted that authenticating information may be read from a playertracking card (or associated player tracking account), ticket, receipt,or the like and thus the player may input or present authenticatinginformation by providing his or her player tracking card in one or moreembodiments.

If the player does choose to resume the game at step 424, the game maycorrespondingly be resumed at a step 428. The game may be resumed invarious ways. In one embodiment, the player may press or activate aplayer input device to indicate that he or she wishes to resume thegame. In another embodiment, the player may activate a resume button 312such as illustrated in FIG. 6C to indicate that he or she wishes toresume a game. It is contemplated that a resume button 312 or otherplayer input device which provides resume functionality may be disabled,such as shown in FIG. 6A, when play is not suspended and enabled whenplay is suspended, such as shown in FIG. 6C. Similarly, a freeze button308 may be disabled, such as in FIG. 6C, when play is suspended, andenabled, such as in FIG. 6A, when play is not suspended and the gamefreeze feature is available to a player.

Once a resume button 312 or similar player input device is activated,the player may then be prompted to provide authenticating information toresume the game. For example, a screen display or graphical userinterface such as that of FIG. 6D may be presented to accept a player'sauthenticating information. A player may also insert his or her playertracking card to provide authenticating information. In one or moreembodiments, the authenticating information must match theauthenticating information used to suspend the game to resume play. Thisverifies the identity of the player by ensuring that the same player isresuming play. Of course, players may provide the authenticatinginformation to other players. In these cases, at the very least,requiring matching authenticating information ensures that only playerswith the proper authenticating information can resume play. In the casewhere authenticating information was provided on a ticket or receipt,the player may input the authenticating information thereon or may use aperipheral of a gaming machine to scan in the authenticating informationfrom the ticket or receipt.

Once matching authenticating information has been provided, the game maycontinue at a step 432. Preferably, the play will resume such that thegame continues from where the player suspended the game. In theexemplary poker embodiment of FIG. 6A for example, if the playersuspended the game after the initial hand is dealt, the game may resumeby presenting the initial hand and allowing the player to continueplaying from that point. If the player suspended the game after holdingone or more cards, such as in FIG. 6B, the game may resume by presentingthe initial hand with the player's hold selections. In the exemplaryembodiment, the player continues the game by holding the two 10 cardsand dealing three replacement cards to achieve the 2 of a kind shownhand in FIG. 6E.

At a step 436 the game ends. The player may be paid an award or lose hisor her wager based on the outcome the player receives. If desired, theplayer may then play a new game by placing a new wager. It is noted thatin the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6E, the player has achieved awinning poker hand and thus would be paid an award.

It is contemplated that the player may be presented with one or morebonus games or at the end of his or her original game. It will beunderstood that a variety of bonus games may be presented at the end ofthe original game. In one or more embodiments, the player may winvarious awards such as progressive or other jackpots during a bonusgame. A bonus game may be presented at the end of every game or may bepresented only where a player achieves a particular outcome or outcomesin the original game. As is known, a bonus game may also be presented inresponse to a random event or other event.

It will be understood that the game freeze feature may be used tosuspend play of a bonus game as well. To illustrate, a player may pressor activate a freeze button to suspend a bonus game. In response, thegaming machine may prompt the player to input authenticatinginformation. If applicable, the player may be required to remove his orher player tracking card to suspend the bonus game. The bonus game maythen be suspended for a period of time. The player may resume the bonusgame by inputting the proper authenticating information. If the bonusgame is not resumed within the allotted time, the bonus game and itsunderlying game may be forfeited. If additional wagers have beencollected for the bonus game, they may be given or transferred to thegaming establishment or may be credited back to the player's credits.Any credits remaining in the gaming machine may then be cleared and thegaming machine reset for a new game. As described above, remainingcredits may be associated with authenticating information to allow theplayer to reclaim any credits left in the machine using his or herauthenticating information.

As indicated above, the game freeze feature may also suspend play inbetween one or more games including bonus games. FIG. 5 is a flow chartillustrating operation of the game freeze feature according to oneembodiment. At a step 504, a wager is accepted at a gaming machine suchas described above. Once a wager has been accepted, a game may bepresented to a player at a step 508. In general the game will bepresented by displaying one or more symbols, indicia, or the like. Insome embodiments, input from a player may be collected to allow theplayer to play the game. The game will then result in an outcome and theplayer may lose a portion or all of his or her wager based on suchoutcome. If the player achieves a winning outcome, the player may bepaid an award. If the player does not achieve a winning outcome his orher wager may be collected by the gaming machine. The game may then endat a step 512 once an outcome has occurred. It is noted that the gamefreeze feature may also be used one or more times during a game in step508 such as described above with regard to FIG. 4.

At a step 516, it is determined whether or not the player has creditsremaining in the gaming machine. If the player does not have any creditsremaining, an additional wager must be placed/accepted at step 504 toplay a new game. If the player does have credits remaining, the playermay suspend play of the gaming machine at a step 520. To illustrate, thescreen display of FIG. 6E may be the player's final hand for a game ofpoker. As can be seen, the player still has 12 credits in the gamingmachine. Thus, the player may suspend play by activating the freezebutton 308 at the lower left of the display 104. Of course, other playerinput devices such as push buttons may be used instead of or in additionto the freeze button 308 illustrated. Typically, the player must have atleast one credit in the machine to suspend play between games. However,in one or more embodiments, such as when a player has inserted a playertracking card, a player may suspend play between games without anycredits in the machine.

If the player does not choose to suspend play at step 520, a new gamemay start such as by accepting a wager at step 504. It is noted thatthis wager may be made from any credits currently in the gaming machine.If the player suspends play at step 520, such as by activating a freezebutton, play at a gaming machine may be suspended.

Similar to above, play at a gaming machine may be suspended in variousways. In one embodiment, play is suspended by preventing player inputexcept input related to resuming play. For example, all player inputdevices except those for resuming play, such as a resume button, may bedisabled. In addition, a notification, such as a graphic, textual orother screen display, may be provided indicating that play has beensuspended. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6C, a notification ispresented on a gaming machine's display 104 that informs players thatplay has been suspended. The screen display may also provide the timeremaining for the suspension of play. Other players waiting for themachine will then know how long they must wait, assuming the originalplayer does not resume play. Also, the player suspending play will knowhow long of a break he or she can take before play must be resumed. Aswith the above, a resume button 312 may be provided as well to allowplay to be resumed when desired by the player.

Authenticating information may be required to suspend play such asdescribed above. For example, a screen display such as shown in FIG. 6Dmay be presented to allow authentication information to be inputted by aplayer. In one or more embodiments, the authenticating informationprevents other players or people from resuming play. If a playertracking card was previously inserted, the gaming machine may require aplayer to remove the player tracking card as part of suspending play. Inthis manner, the player is less likely to leave his or her playertracking card behind should the player leave while play is suspended.This also allows the player to resume play later by inserting his or herplayer tracking card.

As stated, suspension of play may be limited to a period of time. Theperiod of time may be set as desired, such as described above. At a step528, it is determined if play has been suspended for longer than such atime limit. If play has been suspended for longer than the time limit,the player's credits may be forfeited at a step 540.

Credits may be forfeited in various ways. In one embodiment, theplayer's credits may be cleared from the gaming machine such as bysetting the player's credits to zero. The player's credits may also beforfeited by giving or transferring any credits remaining in a gamingmachine to a gaming establishment. Once the credits have been forfeited,the gaming machine may be reset for a new game. For example, a gamingmachine may continue to step 504 where a wager may be accepted to starta new game.

In one or more embodiments, credits may be associated with a player'sauthenticating information prior to being forfeited. For example,authenticating information may be stored on a memory device of thegaming machine along with the number or value of credits remaining inthe gaming machine. Alternatively, or in addition, authenticatinginformation may be stored on a gaming server along with the number orvalue of remaining credits. As stated above, this allows players toreclaim forfeited credits.

It is contemplated that a player may reclaim forfeited credits byproviding the authenticating information used to suspend play of agaming machine. For example, the player may input authenticatinginformation into the same gaming machine to reclaim his or her forfeitedcredits. The reclaimed credits may then be cashed out or used to makewagers for one or more games at the gaming machine. In one embodiment,the player may present authenticating information to gamingestablishment personnel, such as a cashier, to reclaim his or herforfeited credits. It is contemplated that forfeited credits may bereclaimed by inputting authenticating information into any suitablyconfigured gaming machine, not just the gaming machine on which thecredits were forfeited.

If the suspension of play is within the time limit, it may be determinedwhether or not a player desires to resume play at a step 532. If theplayer does not wish to resume play, the method may return to step 528where it is again determined if the suspension of play is within thetime limit. If the player does wish to resume play, the player mayindicate so by activating a resume button or other similarly configuredplayer input device. For example, as shown in FIG. 6C, a player mayengage a resume button 312 to indicate his or her desire to resume play.

Then, at a step 536, play may resume. In one or more embodiments, theplayer may be required to input his or her authenticating information toresume play. Typically, the authenticating information must be the sameas that used to suspend play. In this manner, other players or peoplemay not resume another player's suspended play. If the properauthenticating information or player tracking card is provided, themethod may continue at step 504 where an additional wager may beaccepted for a new game. The additional wager may come from one or morecredits remaining in the gaming machine. A screen display such as shownin FIG. 6D may be provided to allow a player to input authenticatinginformation to resume play.

FIGS. 4-5 illustrate the game freeze feature suspending and resumingplay during one or more games and in between one or more games. Thoughdescribed as occurring after a particular step or steps, it will beunderstood that the game freeze feature may be implemented and used atother times during and between games. For example, a game or game playmay be suspended after a wager has been accepted but prior to the startof a game. In addition, it will be understood that aspects of the gamefreeze feature for suspension of play during games may be used duringsuspension of play between games, and vice versa.

In embodiments utilizing a player tracking card, it is contemplated thatplay may be suspended prior to the acceptance of any wager or where theplayer has no credits in a gaming machine. For example, a player may begiven the option to suspend play as soon as a player inserts his or herplayer tracking card regardless of whether the player has made a wageror if there are any credits in the gaming machine. This allows playersto reserve a machine for a limited period of time, without requiring theplayer to make a wager. It is contemplated that the period of time forsuspension may be smaller if no wager has been placed. Wagerless orcreditless suspension of play with player tracking cards may be used asa feature to promote the use of player tracking cards if desired.

It is contemplated that the game freeze feature may be implemented in agame freeze device. Such a device may be used to retrofit existinggaming machines or installed in new gaming machines. FIG. 7 is a blockdiagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of game freeze device 700.The game freeze device 700 shown comprises a controller 704, and twoplayer input devices, one configured as a freeze button 308 and theother configured as a resume button 312. It is noted that, as describedabove, the functionality of a freeze button 308 and a resume button 312may be combined into a single button in some embodiments.

The controller 704 may be configured to provide the game freeze featureto existing gaming machines 100 without extensive modification toexisting machines. As can be seen, the controller 704 may be connectedto one or more components of a gaming machine 100. For example, thecontroller 704 of FIG. 7 is connected to the gaming machine's processor204, display 104, and one or more player input devices 108.

The controller 704 may be a microprocessor or other electronic circuitconfigured to provide the game freeze feature. In one embodiment, thecontroller 704 allows the gaming machine's processor 204 to communicatewith one or more of the gaming machine's other components through thecontroller. For example, the controller 704 may forward signals or othercommunication between the processor 204 and any other components of agaming machine 100 which are connected to the controller. In thismanner, the processor 204 may communicate with these components as itnormally does in existing gaming machines 100. As can be seen from theexemplary embodiment of FIG. 7, the controller 704 may forward signalsbetween the processor 204, player input devices 108, and display 104.

To provide the game freeze feature to an existing gaming machine, thecontroller 704 may also be configured to interrupt communication betweenthe processor 204 and components of the gaming machine 100 as well ascommunicate directly with the components of a gaming machine. Forexample, the controller 704 may interrupt communication between the userinputs and the processor 204 when a player activates the freeze button308. In this manner, play of a game may be suspended by not permittingfurther player input. The controller 704 may also interruptcommunication between the processor 204 and the display 104. Forexample, the controller 704 may block signals from the processor todisplay a game on the display 104. These signals may be replaced oroverlaid with a notification that play has been suspended, such asillustrated in FIG. 6C. When, the resume button 312 is activated, thecontroller may cease interrupting communications and forward informationbetween the processor 204 and other components to allow the player tocontinue play. It is noted that authenticating information may becollected by the controller 704, when suspending or resuming play,through the player input devices 108 or display 104 if the display istouch enabled.

It is noted that the freeze button 308, resume button 312, or both maybe provided as an overlay graphic of a button on the display 104 of agaming machine. In this manner, the freeze button 308, resume button312, or both may be displayed along with the game being presented by thegaming machine's processor 204. Alternatively, or in addition, thesebuttons may be push buttons or other player input devices 108 on thegaming machine 100.

In one embodiment, the connection between the processor 204, thecontroller 704, and the display 104 comprises a video cable, such as aVGA, HDMI, Component Video, Composite Video, Coaxial, or other cable,which allows video output from the processor to pass through thecontroller on its way to the display. In this manner, when play issuspended, the controller 704 may intercept and replace or overlay gamefreeze screen displays, such as described herein, on a gaming machine'sdisplay 104. The connection between the controller 704 and othercomponents of a gaming machine may be standardized or existing cables orconnectors as well. This allows the game freeze device 700 to be easilyconnected to an existing gaming machine.

It is contemplated that other components, such as one or moreperipherals 208, of a gaming machine 100 may be connected to a processor204 through the controller 704 as well. For example, a card reader orticket/receipt printer or dispenser may be connected through thecontroller 704. In this manner, the controller 704 may provide or readauthenticating information with these peripherals 208.

It is noted that the controller 704 may include or be connected to itsown memory device to store game freeze and other information as well asmachine readable code for the game freeze feature in one or moreembodiments. The controller 704 may also be hard wired to provide a gamefreeze feature in some embodiments. In addition, the controller 704 mayinclude or be connected to a transceiver to receive and transmitinformation for the game freeze feature. For example, the transceivermay be used to communicate amounts wagered, credits remaining,authentication information, and the like between the game freeze device700 and a gaming machine 100 or a gaming server.

The invention has numerous advantages and benefits. As indicated, theprior art discloses “saving” games so that they can be played at a latertime. For example, if a player is in the middle of a game or sequence ofgames, a player might save the game so that they can go home and thenrestart the game at a later time, such as in several days' time. Oncethe player leaves the gaming machine, however, another player mayutilize that machine to play other games. Moreover, even if the playerwere to return to the same gaming machine and it were available forplay, the gaming machine must “reload” the game and all game stateinformation in order to restart the game.

Saving a game involves storing the current state of a game or the gameitself on a storage medium so that the game may later be retrieved andreloaded. This requires game information such as the cards or otherindicia displayed and/or dealt, the amount of wagers, stage or round ofa game, or other information to be stored on a storage medium. The gameinformation must then be retrieved from the storage medium to reload thesaved game. In addition, once retrieved, the game information must thenbe used to set the state of a game such that it is identical to thesaved game. For example, the game information indicating the cardsdisplayed in the saved game is used to display the same cards when thesaved game is loaded.

In save game implementations, a gaming machine is cleared or reset toallow other games to be played after the current game has been saved.Thus, the gaming machine continues to accept player input related toplaying one or more games. The saved game may then be retrieved andreloaded from a storage medium after one or more other games have beenplayed. It can be seen that a step of storing the game or game state ona storage medium is required to implement the saving/reloading of agame.

In contrast, the present invention is directed to a gaming machine orgame “freeze”. In accordance with this feature, a player can freeze orstop game play for a limited period of time and then continue play ofthat same gaming machine and game. In one or more embodiments, freezinggame play does not require the step of saving games or game informationto a storage medium. For example, when frozen, the current state of agame may simply be preserved in a gaming machine, such as in the gamingmachine's memory. In one embodiment, this may occur by preventingfurther player input to a gaming machine (except to unfreeze or resume agame) thus preventing alterations to the game or the game's state.

When a frozen game is resumed, the game does not have to be reloadedfrom a storage medium. In one or more embodiments, this is because thegame is already present/preserved in the gaming machine's memory. Theplay of the game is simply allowed to continue, such as by once againpermitting player input related to playing the game. In one embodiment,the game simply remains in its current state in a gaming machine'smemory when the game freeze feature is activated. Player or other inputrelated to the play of the game may be ignored or not allowed until thegame is resumed. In this way the game is preserved in the gamingmachine's memory while the game is frozen.

This is distinct from saving a game in that the specific action to storegame information on a storage medium is not required or necessary. Infact, as discussed herein, the game freeze may be implemented in someembodiments simply by preventing player input related to the play of agame. When the game is resumed, player input related to the play of thegame may be accepted or allowed once again.

It is noted that the freeze feature may be activated at any time duringa game including during the spinning of reels or dealing of cards. Insome embodiments, the game freeze feature prevents machine readablecode, software, or the like of a game from continuing to execute thuspreserving the game in the gaming machine's memory. The game may then beresumed by continuing execution of the game from the point it wasfrozen. It can be seen that this too does not require a separate step ofstoring the game or game information on a storage medium as would berequired in a save game implementation.

In one embodiment, when the game or gaming machine is frozen, anindication may be provided to that effect. This notification alertspotential players that the gaming machine is not available for use. Thisis another distinction from saving a game in that the gaming machine maynot be available for use while a game is frozen in some embodiments.

In a preferred embodiment, during the time the game or gaming machine isfrozen, the gaming machine does not accept input other than to resumethe game. This prevents, for example, another player from attempting toplay another game while the first game is frozen. For example, thevarious buttons such as “bet credits” and the like may be frozen toprevent input.

Most importantly, in accordance with the invention, the game is“frozen”, rather than being saved and then cleared from the gamingmachine to permit the gaming machine to be further used or played. Asindicated, a particular advantage to the “freeze” feature is that thegaming machine is frozen from further use. Also, as discussed herein, afrozen game may simply be placed in an ‘idle’ mode (for example, thecontroller may just lock further activity relative to the game, eventhough the game program is still active and game information is stillstored in the local memory) so that when a player resume the game itimmediately resumes play, rather than having to reload and entire gamefrom a storage medium or the like, as in the case where a game is savedand cleared from the gaming machine.

As indicated, various safeguards may be utilized to allow a player tofreeze a game/gaming machine and to resume a game. In order to prevent auser from locking up multiple gaming machines or freezing games orgaming machines for excessively long periods, the game freeze may have atime limit. In addition, the player may be required to obtainauthorization. For example, a player's tracking card may be used toverify that the player is only playing one game or gaming machine and isonly seeking to freeze that one game. Alternatively, an operator mightphysically assist in the game or gaming machine freeze. For example, ina tavern the player might request that the bar keeper enter a freezeauthorization code, turn a “freeze” input key or the like which permitsthe player to freeze the game or gaming machine.

As indicated, authorization may also be required to resume a game. Thismay include input of a code, card or the like by the player toauthenticate that the player seeking to resume the game is the one thatfroze the game. The step of resuming a game may again include input fromthe operator or the like.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scopeof this invention. In addition, the various features, elements, andembodiments described herein may be claimed or combined in anycombination or arrangement.

1. A gaming machine comprising: a display; a freeze button; a resumebutton; and a processor configured to present a game to a player on saiddisplay and to suspend play of said game on said gaming machine for apredetermined period of time in response to activation of said freezebutton by said player whereby play of said game resumes in response toactivation of said resume button by said player within saidpredetermined period of time.
 2. The gaming machine of claim 1, wheresaid processor suspends play of said game by ignoring further input tosaid gaming machine other than input received from said resume button.3. The gaming machine of claim 1 further comprising one or more playerinput devices configured to receive authenticating information from saidplayer whereby play of said game on said gaming machine resumes only ifsaid authenticating information verifies the identity of said player. 4.The gaming machine of claim 1 further comprising a card readerconfigured to read authenticating information from a player trackingcard of said player whereby play of said game on said gaming machineresumes only if said authenticating information verifies the identity ofsaid player.
 5. The gaming machine of claim 1 further comprising amemory device configured to store game information selected from thegroup consisting of the number of credits in said gaming machine and theamount of wagers in said gaming machine whereby if said game is notresumed within said predetermined period of time said game informationis stored on said memory device and said gaming machine is reset toallow play of a new game.
 6. The gaming machine of claim 5, wherein saidgame is forfeited if said game is not resumed within said predeterminedperiod of time.
 7. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein said displayprovides a notification to said player when play of said game issuspended.
 8. The gaming machine of claim 7, wherein said notificationincludes a remaining time for suspension of play of said game, saidremaining time being at least a portion of said predetermined period oftime.
 9. A method for providing a game freeze feature on a gamingmachine comprising: providing a gaming machine comprising a display, afreeze button, and a resume button; accepting one or more credits fromsaid player; presenting a game to a player on said gaming machinewhereby said player is paid an award for achieving a winning outcome;suspending play of said game at said gaming machine for a predeterminedperiod of time if said player activates said freeze button; displaying anotification on said display indicating that play of said game issuspended; and resuming play of said game at said gaming machine if saidplayer activates said resume button within said predetermined period oftime.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein suspending play of said game atsaid gaming machine comprises ignoring further input to said gamingmachine other than input received from said resume button.
 11. Themethod of claim 9 further comprising accepting a first authenticatinginformation from said player prior to suspending play of said game. 12.The method of claim 11 further comprising accepting a secondauthenticating information from said player prior to resuming play ofsaid game whereby play of said game resumes only if said firstauthenticating information and said second authenticating informationmatch.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein said first authenticatinginformation and said second authenticating information are accepted viaa card reader of said gaming machine.
 14. The method of claim 12,wherein said first authenticating information and said secondauthenticating information are accepted via one or more player inputdevices of said gaming machine.
 15. The method of claim 11 furthercomprising: forfeiting said one or more credits if play of said game isnot resumed within said predetermined period of time; and resetting saidgaming machine for a new game.
 16. The method of claim 15 furthercomprising accepting a second authenticating information from saidplayer to reclaim said one or more credits if said second authenticatinginformation and said first authenticating information match.
 17. A gamefreeze device for a gaming machine comprising: a freeze button; a resumebutton; and a controller connected to a processor and a display of agaming machine, said controller configured to provide a game freezefeature to said gaming machine whereby said controller suspends play ofa game for a predetermined period of time on said gaming machine whensaid freeze button is activated and resumes play of said game when saidresume button is activated.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein saidcontroller provides a notification on said display indicating play ofsaid game is suspended when play of said game is suspended.
 19. Thegaming machine of claim 17, wherein said controller is connected to andintercepts communication from one or more player input devices of saidgaming machine when play of said game is suspended.
 20. The gamingmachine of claim 17, wherein said controller receives authenticatinginformation from a player via one or more player input devices of agaming machine and resumes play of said game on said gaming machine onlyif said authenticating information verifies the identity of said player.